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Government documents at the time predicted the change would hand new money to 143,000 people who previously received nothing for mobility. Half would receive the enhanced rate of £57.45 a week and the other half the standard rate of £21.80.

A further 21,000 people would move from the standard to the enhanced rate, topping up their benefits by £35.65 a week.

The Government said implementing the change would cost taxpayers £3.7 billion extra in five years - £550m for 2017/18, £640m for 2018/19, £750m for 2019/20, £820m for 2020/21 and £900m for 2021/22.

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Because those figures are more than a year old, the exact number of people now affected - and the costs - are still being worked out by the DWP.

Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey wrote: "After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal the High Court judgment.

Esther McVey has released a statement about the changes (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

"My department will now take all steps necessary to implement the [original judgement] in the best interests of our claimants, working closely with disabled people and key stakeholders over the coming months.

"Although I and my Department accept the High Court's judgment, we do not agree with some of the detail contained therein.